Break, p.10
Break, page 10
Max tries again. “Well, if you decide you’d like something, just let us know and we’ll make sure you get it.” He pauses, and when she doesn’t answer him again, he keeps going. “Listen. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you when we first got in here, or yesterday, for that matter. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a chance to catch up, right?”
The chuckle he forces out does the opposite he was hoping for. Her fingers speed up, finishing what appears to be a bird, before she’s quickly tearing another page from the notebook to her right. Then she’s at it again with a fresh design.
A flash of memory from years ago has her sitting in the living room of Danny’s house when his parents threw a birthday party for him. They invited all of his friends, including the neighbors. I remember Mina, maybe around ten years old, sitting in the living room bent over a small pile of papers. She was creating miniature objects and smiling in triumph when she completed one. She had looked around, finding her mom to show her. I don’t recall what her mother said, but I remember her smile faltering before she leaned back over to start on a new mini project. I’d guess that this habit of hers is something she does for comfort, but I may be reaching.
A knock on the glass draws me out of my thoughts. I also realize that Max was apparently lost in thoughts as well when he scratches at the back of his head. He gives a slight nod toward the unseen occupants in the next room.
“Right then… okay,” he says awkwardly. “Look, I know this seems like it’s not a coincidence that of all the people here to help you, it’s us. I swear to you, it is. I had no idea that you were the vic-” He clears his throat, clearly struggling to use that word in direct connection with her. “That you were the victim we were called in for, but Mina, this is what I do. This is why I started Breaking Barriers. Ethan and I both would very much like to help you get to a safe place until we know what’s going to happen with Danny.”
I catch her pause, so I know she’s listening. The Mina I used to know would always have responded with polite words when someone was speaking with her, but this Mina is staying silent. There’s a small muscle that pops in her jaw like she’s holding back words. But before I get a chance to encourage her to let us know what she’s thinking, Max makes the mistake of reaching out and touching her hand.
Her reaction is quick, jerking her hands away from him, but at least he gets her eyes focused on him. “Please, hear me out?” he urges her. Max deserves an award for keeping his frustration in check because I know he’s uneasy about not being able to get a reaction from her.
He sits back, considering her with no comment about her reaction to him. “Normally in this kind of scenario, we’d relocate you someplace far away, get you set up in an apartment. Help you get back on your feet financially while we monitor the situation with your attacker. But I think, since we’re dealing with Danny, you should stay with us at my home.”
“No.” The first word from her mouth is a denial and Max’s mouth falls into a deep frown.
Her eyes find me when I hold my hand up to stop Max from diving into an argument. I need to interject before Max tries to bulldoze her into something she doesn’t want to do because she doesn’t understand why. “Mina, take a moment and think about it logically. Where’s the very last place he would come looking for you? We haven’t spoken to him regularly in a very long time. There’s no connecting you to us, so he’d never consider finding you in Max’s home. You won’t have to worry about anything except recovering from your injuries and proceeding with whatever legal actions you choose to pursue.”
Her brows furrow in confusion, her mouth opening and then closing like she has a question she doesn’t want to voice. I decide to encourage her to ask, so she knows that she’s allowed to question whatever she’s worried about. “Ask your question,” I say, tilting my head toward her, letting her know I’m listening.
“I don’t understand. Danny talks about you guys all the time. I don’t believe that you all aren’t talking with him.” I’m at a loss briefly by her accusation because I don’t know why Danny would tell her that. Who knows what’s been going on in his head over the past five years since they married.
Pulling out my phone from my pocket, I approach her slowly while opening up my text messages to show her the timestamp from the last text exchange he and I had. “Look at the call log. We haven’t spoken.” Looking at Max, I jerk my head towards her for him to show her the same thing.
Setting his phone next to mine on the table in front of her, she looks between the phones until the screens go dim, then black.
My eyes flick to Vincent when he walks into the room silently settling back on Mina’s face. He says nothing except to set his phone on the table for her as well. I can imagine the sound of the gears in her head turning as she contemplates what we’ve shown her.
Finally, she looks up at Max and hesitantly says, “I-I know he’s lied to me about a lot of things. He’s always told me you all have stayed as close as you were in high school. Whenever I asked why none of you visit, he’s always said that you didn’t approve of our marriage and refused to see me on principle…” Her voice trails off as she works through the reality we’ve hit her with. “He’s always blamed me for not being good enough for him in your eyes.”
“That’s bullshit,” Vincent snaps out, unable to stay silent any longer. He sits down next to Max, opposite of her. She leans back in her chair, moving away from his anger. I throw a silent thanks to Max for the elbow he gives him in warning.
Her head drops, causing her hair to fall around her face. I’m impressed with the fact that she hasn’t broken down in front of us yet, but I’m sure at some point it’s going to happen. I want to be here for her when she does.
“I hate to rush you in making a decision, but what do you think? Will you come with us?” Max asks, waving between his body and where I’m standing. “Where we can keep you safe?”
She swallows, then answers. “The enemies of my enemy and all that?”
Vincent flashes her a big smile and leans forward slightly. He ignores the way she stiffens when he says, “It means you’re our friend now, sweetheart. He’s too self-absorbed to ever figure it out.”
Her answering nod of agreement has me blowing out air in relief. Now, we just need to get her out of here.
Chapter 14
Damn Dog
Max
Leading Mina out of the police station, I keep a watchful eye on her, ready to intervene if she shows any signs of distress. I know she doesn’t trust me. Well, she doesn’t trust us, but I’m incredibly relieved that she chose to go along with our idea of staying at my place until we know how Danny’s going to react.
I’ve never brought any of the victims we’ve helped into my home before. It’s always been straight from the station to the temporary housing. Do I regret this decision? Absolutely not. Am I worried that it’s going to bring up some memories of having a woman in my home with injuries from a fist again? Abso-fucking-lutely I am. But it’s the right thing to do, and I’m not going to back down now.
Ethan offers the front seat to Mina, but she politely declines and slides into the back. Choosing to give her space, he settles into the front passenger seat of my SUV, wanting to tag along so he’s there when I show her around the house.
The drive is silent while Mina stares out the window. Ethan’s deep in thought over this morning’s upheaval, and my thoughts are whirling with worries I have no answers to. Will she be comfortable staying with me? Will she be able to sleep? Will she be scared? I just don’t fucking know the answer to any of these nagging questions, and I hate it.
What the fuck is wrong with Danny that this abuse became a part of his routine? How long has it been going on? Obviously, he laid his hands on her, but how many times has this happened? What else has he done to her that we don’t know about? My stomach rolls when that last question flickers through my head.
“You good, man?” Ethan asks me softly.
Checking over my shoulder, I catch Mina’s eye before she looks away. She’s listening for my answer, so I need to watch my words. “I’m doing alright. Trying to wrap my head around how much of a piece of shit Danny is, but aside from that, I’m solid.”
Bouncing his fist on his knee in thought, he responds, “Yeah. He’s changed.”
Ethan and I look at each other when a small sound escapes from the woman huddled in the back, but neither of us presses her on what about his statement bothers her.
I continue the conversation, pretending we didn’t hear her. “Agreed. He’s always been an asshole, but this?” I shake my head because I just don’t understand it. “Find out from Vincent when we can get a copy of the report they’re filing on him.” Raising my voice so Mina knows I’m including her, I tell her, “Typically, the station will provide us with the report and any evidence they collect so we have the whole picture and can make decisions based on the type of threat they pose. I believe Cooper explained that to you before I showed up, but I wanted to make sure you knew. If you have questions about that, or anything else, please ask me whatever you’d like.”
A small blush climbs her neck, then cheeks, before disappearing under her bruising, when I tell her I’m going to read her report. Normally, it’ll include a witness statement, which is incredibly personal. Many victims find themselves embarrassed by what happened, like they let it happen.
Maybe it’s a mistake on my part, but I continue, “I’m going to read over the report because it’s important for me to know what happened so I can protect you better. Knowing how to do it is the main part of my job. It’s not to judge you or anything. Whatever happened, it’s not your fault…” I trail off when her shaking hand reaches up to tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear.
Whispering through the side of his mouth, Ethan hisses, “Back. Off.”
I glare at him but bite my tongue for the rest of the drive.
Arriving at the house is uneventful, but I notice as she takes in the large farm-style building that she appreciates what I’ve done with the place. The chipping paint on the front porch gives it character, and I’ll stand by that statement until I get around to finally painting the damn thing.
Opening the front door, I hold it open for Mina to enter, completely forgetting about my goddamn dog. “Walter!” I lunge for his collar, but the bastard is already sailing past me, my fingertips only grazing his coat above his ass.
Mina only has one foot on the front step when she gasps. I watch in horror as her eyes widen when my big ass lug of a dog flies at her, tail wagging and tongue hanging out in excitement.
I cringe as he slams his body into hers, shoving her back a few feet before Ethan can wrap his hands around her waist to stop her fall. Guilt fills my stomach when she cries out in pain, either from Walter or Ethan’s hands gripping her bruised skin.
“Fuck! Jesus Christ, Mina. I’m so fucking sorry. Walter! You idiot, SIT!” I order him and I look to the sky, throwing up a huge thank you to the big man for my dog obeying me for once in his life.
Ethan helps her gain her balance, releasing her once he’s sure she’s stable. “You good?” he asks, worry etched across his face. He’s holding his hands out like he’s ready to catch her, but she steps away from him. She’s trembling, but steady.
“Fine,” she wheezes out.
“Seriously, I’m really sorry about him.” I glare at my dog when I say him, and he at least has the decency to lower his head when he hears me. I come closer to her, intending to pull Walter away and take him back inside into my bedroom, but Mina surprises me when she takes a half step forward. She’s holding her hand out to him, letting him scent her. His nose touches her palm, and then slathers it with his tongue once he approves of her.
Some of my worry leaves when I see her give him a soft smile. Her head tilts slightly to the side as she strokes her hand over the side of his face and cups his jaw. I swear to God, that bastard closes his eyes in bliss, like he’s ready to soak up every scrap of affection she will give him.
“Do you want me to get him away? I promise he’s not aggressive. He’s just excited to meet someone new,” I tell her, ready to remove him if she gives me any sign she wants him gone.
Shaking her head stiffly, she glances at me before letting her eyes fall away. “No, he’s fine.” Leaning toward him, I hear her whisper, “You’re a good boy, aren’t you?”
Ethan slides his hands into his pockets and raises a brow at me. I don’t know what he’s asking, but I’m sure if it’s important, he’ll let me know. “Do you, umm… Do you want to come inside? I’ll show you around and let you get settled in. I’m sure you’re ready for a nap or something.”
The tiny smile she had for Walter falls from her face at the reminder that she’s at my home; all her discomfort with her new situation wrapping her up like a straightjacket.
Sighing, I try not to let her mistrust bother me. I know it’ll take some time for her to not only recover from the shock of the trauma she went through last night, but also to learn that we’re not the bad guys. That we truly only have her best interest at heart. I’m good at my job, and she’ll eventually see that.
Walking into the house, I have her follow me around the space. I show her the kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry and pantry, as well as an office space that Ethan and I share when we’re catching up on paperwork.
“All the bedrooms are upstairs and there are a couple you can choose from. Whichever you want is fine. Use the laundry whenever you need it and help yourself to any of the food in the fridge and pantry,” I tell her.
The three of us walk up the creaky stairs noisily. Mina nervously wrings her free hand into the side of her scrub top and Ethan looks contemplative as he watches her, hands still in his pockets. “Be right back,” he mumbles, before turning around and heading back down.
“I-” her voice cracks, and she stops herself.
Making it to the landing, I let her step up behind me and look down at her. I remember her always being on the shorter side, and it doesn’t seem like she’s grown much in height since her wedding. “What is it? Do you need anything? The rooms available are the first ones here at the top of the stairs, and one at the end of the hall across from mine,” I tell her, pointing toward my bedroom door.
I give her a moment, trying not to rush her when she answers. “I… I don’t have any clothes or anything to wash. They took what I had at the hospital and gave me these,” she tells me, plucking at her top.
Shit.
“Okay, that’s not a big deal and an easy fix. Let me know what sizes you wear, and I’ll make sure we get you a few changes of clothes to start with.”
The sound of Ethan hauling ass back up the stairs stops her from answering. He’s holding a package of unopened printer paper at his side. Looking at me, then Mina, he asks, “Did you pick a room?”
“N-not yet,” she whispers. I’m sure having both of us surrounding her is disconcerting, so I take a step back, dropping my shoulders to seem less intimidating.
“Peek your head in the rooms I showed you and choose one.”
She points at the door she’s standing in front of, and says, “This one will be fine. Thank you for your hospitality.”
I nod, giving her a small smile before turning to Ethan. “Can you go get her some clothes? And maybe some toiletries too?”
Ethan turns to go down the stairs but pauses. Spinning back around, he asks, “What size should I get you?”
She winces when she chews on her lip again, releasing it quickly. “I’m not really sure. Maybe medium? Or bigger? I’ll need something loose for my arm.” There’s no way this woman needs something larger than a medium. Medium would most likely be loose enough to work with a sling. I really want to ask her why she doesn’t know what size she wears, but I bite my tongue.
“I’ll find something comfortable. Anything else you need? Want?” he asks her with an endless amount of patience.
Shaking her head, I watch as more of her hair comes free from the loose tie she has holding half of her hair back. “Nothing, thank you.”
A short nod from him has me holding back a laugh. If he were to direct that at me, it would have been a grunt or a growl. He’s watching himself with her, which is great. Normally, he doesn’t interact with our victims much. He’s the one that stands guard and organizes any additional security our ‘clients’ may need. Holding out the ream of paper, he waits for her to take it from him. “Here.” Ahh, there’s the grunt.
She takes the paper from him like she’s unsure what it’s for but doesn’t question him. I’ll ask him about it downstairs. Looking back at Mina, I can see how exhausted she is. “Do you want to rest? I’ll make something to eat, and you can come down when you feel up to it. I’ll leave the bags outside your door when Ethan gets back with your stuff.”
She nods, not saying anything else except a barely there “Thank you.” She turns to open the door to her new room and as I watch her go, my mind races with thoughts of how I can help her feel more comfortable in my home.
Heading back downstairs, I call Walt from where he’s sitting, staring at the closed door. I follow Ethan as he makes his way to the front door. “What’s with the paper?” I ask before he leaves.
Grunting, he doesn’t stop to answer me. He simply waves me off before he heads out to get our new house guest something to wear besides the hospital clothes they shoved her into before spending hours at the station.
Whatever.
I make my way to the kitchen and busy myself with making food. I try to distract myself from the dark thoughts I’m tempted to sink into over my mom and comparing Danny to my worthless father.
How did I not see the signs in Danny? And how the fuck am I going to face him again while trying to pretend I don’t know what he’s done?
Or that I’m hiding his wife from him?
Chapter 15
